A public authority must answer promptly and in any event not later than the twentieth working day after it receives the request. GOV.UK adds that some schools get more time in school holidays, and that in Scotland you should allow 6 extra days for a request sent by post.

How to make a Freedom of Information request

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 lets anyone ask a public authority for information it holds. These are the rules, each taken from the Act itself or from GOV.UK.

Your right

Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 says that any person who asks a public authority for information is entitled to be told in writing whether it holds that information and, if it does, to have it communicated to them. ¹

In Scotland the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act gives the same right for Scottish public authorities. You do not need to say which law you are using. ²

Requests for environmental information are handled under the Environmental Information Regulations instead. Information an organisation holds about you, such as health records, is asked for in a different way: a subject access request. ²

Who you can ask

GOV.UK lists government departments, devolved administrations and other public bodies and committees; local councils; schools, colleges and universities; the NHS, including hospitals, GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians; publicly owned companies; publicly funded museums, galleries and theatres; the police and fire services; and registered social landlords in Scotland. ²

Private companies with public responsibilities, such as water companies, must answer requests for environmental information. ²

Before you ask

You may not need to make a request if the organisation has already published the information or answered an earlier request. Many publish earlier answers in a 'disclosure log'. ³

What to write

A Freedom of Information request must be made in writing: by letter, email, social media, an online form or fax. If you cannot write because of a disability, the authority should help you ask another way. ³

Give your name, a postal or email address for the reply, and a detailed description of the information you want. You can ask for a format, such as electronic copies or large print. ³

Be specific. A request for every payment over a stated amount to named suppliers between two dates is easier to answer, and harder to refuse on cost, than a request for 'everything the council spent'.

How long they have

A public authority must answer promptly and in any event not later than the twentieth working day after it receives the request. ⁴

GOV.UK adds that some schools get more time in school holidays, and that in Scotland you should allow 6 extra days for a request sent by post. ³

When they can say no

An authority does not have to answer if it estimates that the cost of complying would exceed the appropriate limit. ⁵

GOV.UK puts that limit at £450, or £600 for a government department, Parliament, the armed forces, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Welsh Assembly or a body based in Scotland. It may ask you to narrow the request so it can answer. ²

Some information is exempt. If an authority withholds anything, it must tell you why. ²

If you are refused

Ask the organisation to review its decision first. If you are still not satisfied, complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (England, Wales, Northern Ireland and UK-wide bodies) or appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner (Scottish public authorities). ²

If you disagree with the Information Commissioner's decision notice, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber). You have 28 days from the date the ICO sends its decision. ⁶

Sources

legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/section/1, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy
gov.uk/api/content/make-a-freedom-of-information-request, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy
gov.uk/make-a-freedom-of-information-request/how-to-make-an-foi-request, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy
legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/section/10, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy
legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/section/12, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy
gov.uk/information-rights-appeal-against-the-commissioners-decision, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy

More ways to hold power to account

This guide explains the rules; it is not legal advice. Report an error.